Governor Mike Kehoe has signed legislation nullifying local laws in Missouri that banned landlords from discriminating against tenants based on income sources like Section 8 vouchers, drawing sharp criticism from housing advocates.
New Law Overrules Cities
On Monday, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe approved a bill making it illegal for local governments to enforce ordinances that prohibit landlords from rejecting tenants who pay rent using public assistance programs, including federal Section 8 housing vouchers.
The law directly targets cities like Kansas City, Columbia, St. Louis, Webster Groves, and Clayton, all of which had adopted protections to shield renters from income-based discrimination.
Support From Property Groups
The measure was backed by landlord associations, apartment industry groups, the realtors’ association, and the conservative Show Me Institute. Supporters argued that forcing property owners to accept all legal income sources infringes on property rights.
Local Laws Blocked
Kansas City passed its source-of-income anti-discrimination ordinance last year, though it was largely put on hold by courts in February. Other Missouri cities had enacted similar policies, aiming to protect renters relying on Section 8, veterans’ benefits, and Social Security. The newly signed bill nullifies those protections statewide.
Opposition Raises Alarm
Critics, including Kansas City officials, the nonprofit Empower Missouri, and the Missouri Public Housing Authorities association, condemned the law. They warned it strips local control and worsens Missouri’s affordable housing crisis.
Opponents argue that by permitting landlords to refuse tenants based on income source, the bill will limit housing options for low-income residents and escalate homelessness rates.
Bill’s Legislative Backing
The legislation was co-sponsored by Republican state Reps. Chris Brown of Kansas City and Ben Keathley of Chesterfield. In the Senate, it was carried by state Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance.